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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2498 KP) rated Scared Off in Books
Aug 26, 2023
While the Parents Are Away, a Corps Turns Up
Julia Snowden responds to a panic call from her niece, who was supposed to be spending the night with two friends but needs help when a party breaks out. The police have been called, and, while they are making sure everyone is gone, discover a dead body in the shed outback. Was Julia’s niece spending the evening with a killer?
If you are also a fan of this series but haven’t read, Shucked Apart, a word of warning that this story contains spoilers for that book. As I said earlier, it’s always great to spend time with the characters. It’s also hard to believe how old Julia’s niece is getting. I always lose track of book time in the series I read. Anyway, the mystery was great; I enjoyed the way it unfolded. As a bonus, there’s a recipe for you to enjoy at your own party.
NOTE 1: This is a novella, so expect something shorter than a typical novel before you pick it up.
NOTE 2: This novella was originally in the Halloween Party Murder anthology. If you’ve already read it there, you don’t need to buy it again here.
If you are also a fan of this series but haven’t read, Shucked Apart, a word of warning that this story contains spoilers for that book. As I said earlier, it’s always great to spend time with the characters. It’s also hard to believe how old Julia’s niece is getting. I always lose track of book time in the series I read. Anyway, the mystery was great; I enjoyed the way it unfolded. As a bonus, there’s a recipe for you to enjoy at your own party.
NOTE 1: This is a novella, so expect something shorter than a typical novel before you pick it up.
NOTE 2: This novella was originally in the Halloween Party Murder anthology. If you’ve already read it there, you don’t need to buy it again here.
Pink Lemonade Cake Murder
3.0
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In this irresistible mystery from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Joanne Fluke,...
Up to No Gouda
8.0
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The first in a delicious new culinary cozy series featuring a grilled cheese eatery owner who must...
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2498 KP) rated Once Upon a Murder in Books
Feb 21, 2024
Not as Strong as the First Book
It’s 1784, and spinster Tiffany Woodall is hoping to put the chaos and intrigue of the last few months behind her. However, when she finds a dead body on her way to work at the castle one morning, she knows that isn’t going to happen. When the local bookseller, the man Tiffany loves, is accused of the crime, she can’t help but get involved. Can she figure out what happened?
The first book in this series was one of my favorites of last year. This book wasn’t as good, but it was still enjoyable. As with the first book, the mystery takes a backseat at times. However, here the other storylines weren’t as compelling. This is especially true of the romance. I was glad it wasn’t dragged out too much and I bought it in a way I wouldn’t in other series, but I wasn’t as invested in it. When the murder really kicks in during the second half, I was more fully on board, and I love how that was resolved. Likewise, I still loved all the characters and did enjoy seeing what happened to them. Fans of the first will want to pick this up. If you missed the first, you’ll definitely want to start there.
The first book in this series was one of my favorites of last year. This book wasn’t as good, but it was still enjoyable. As with the first book, the mystery takes a backseat at times. However, here the other storylines weren’t as compelling. This is especially true of the romance. I was glad it wasn’t dragged out too much and I bought it in a way I wouldn’t in other series, but I wasn’t as invested in it. When the murder really kicks in during the second half, I was more fully on board, and I love how that was resolved. Likewise, I still loved all the characters and did enjoy seeing what happened to them. Fans of the first will want to pick this up. If you missed the first, you’ll definitely want to start there.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2498 KP) rated Mushroom Capped in Books
Jan 10, 2024
Jackie Finds Murder Mushrooming
Former celebrity chef Jackie Norwood has landed in Conway, Maryland, for their second annual mushroom festival. She’s especially excited about connecting with her friend, Marshall. However, she quickly discovers that there’s lots of tension in town thanks to a big farming company trying to buy up the mushroom farms in the area. When Jackie finds the owner of the company dead, Marshall becomes the prime suspect. Can Jackie clear him?
I loved the first book in the series, and it was great to be spending time with Jackie again. All of her family and friends from the last book are back as well. While it would have been nice to see a bit more development for them, I still enjoyed spending time with them and loved the humor they brought to the story. The story started quickly, and when I reached the end, I appreciated just how the clues and motives were layered into the story. I was engaged the entire time, and the ending made perfect sense. If you like mushrooms, you’ll be interested in the five delicious sounding recipes at the end of the book. This is looking to be a great culinary cozy mystery series, and I’m looking forward to finding out what happens at Jackie’s next festival.
I loved the first book in the series, and it was great to be spending time with Jackie again. All of her family and friends from the last book are back as well. While it would have been nice to see a bit more development for them, I still enjoyed spending time with them and loved the humor they brought to the story. The story started quickly, and when I reached the end, I appreciated just how the clues and motives were layered into the story. I was engaged the entire time, and the ending made perfect sense. If you like mushrooms, you’ll be interested in the five delicious sounding recipes at the end of the book. This is looking to be a great culinary cozy mystery series, and I’m looking forward to finding out what happens at Jackie’s next festival.
Between the Living and the Dead
Book
The dead won’t leave her alone. For Cavilla, it's one case after another… Cavilla Ramirez is...
Young Adult Paranormal Mystery
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2498 KP) rated Edam and Weep in Books
Aug 6, 2025
Carly Finds Murder at a Fundraiser
As this book opens, it’s just over a month until Carly’s wedding to Ari. But today, she’s focused on the 50’s diner themed fundraiser for the local high school’s gym. While she’s selling simple grilled cheese (of course), some of the other vendors are offering various other offerings. But the man selling sodas clearly doesn’t want to be there, and his rude behavior leads to a confrontation with Carly’s mom. When the man is found dead later with the scarf that her mom was wearing around his neck, Carly jumps in to figure out what really happened.
When I heard about this book, I quickly added it to my reading plans since I’ve enjoyed the earlier books in the series. Sadly, this one was disappointing. There are two dualing storylines, but they both losing steam in the second half. The mystery plot felt a bit familiar, although I didn’t have the killer pegged. Fortunately, the characters are still charming, and I enjoyed spending time with them. We get two cheese themed recipes at the end. This is one that fans will want to read to the end. But if you are new to the series, start with an earlier book.
When I heard about this book, I quickly added it to my reading plans since I’ve enjoyed the earlier books in the series. Sadly, this one was disappointing. There are two dualing storylines, but they both losing steam in the second half. The mystery plot felt a bit familiar, although I didn’t have the killer pegged. Fortunately, the characters are still charming, and I enjoyed spending time with them. We get two cheese themed recipes at the end. This is one that fans will want to read to the end. But if you are new to the series, start with an earlier book.
O, Deadly Night
5.0
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’Tis the season for mischief and murder in the eighth Year-Round Christmas mystery from national...
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2498 KP) rated Murder at Cottonwood Creek in Books
Nov 26, 2025 (Updated Nov 26, 2025)
Uncovering Fossils and Murder
Stella and Lyndy are in Montana visiting Stella’s mother and the dig site where Lyndy’s father is spending the summer of 1906 looking for fossils. Not too long after the couple arrives, the night watchman for the dig dies. While the local coroner is quick to rule it an accident, Stella thinks there might be more to it. If she is right, how can Lyndy and Stella prove it?
It was natural that Stella and Lyndy would wind up in the US at some point instead of England, where the earlier books were set. This different setting allowed us to see a different side of Lyndy. Between that and the continuation of character arcs from earlier in the series, I liked the character growth we got. Sadly, many of the regulars didn’t make the trip, and I did miss them. The new characters, while good suspects, weren’t the same. The mystery is a bit uneven, partially because it tries to do a bit too much. I did have one issue that I didn’t feel was resolved, but overall, I was satisfied with the ending. While this may not be the best book to jump into the series with, it is one that fans will still enjoy.
It was natural that Stella and Lyndy would wind up in the US at some point instead of England, where the earlier books were set. This different setting allowed us to see a different side of Lyndy. Between that and the continuation of character arcs from earlier in the series, I liked the character growth we got. Sadly, many of the regulars didn’t make the trip, and I did miss them. The new characters, while good suspects, weren’t the same. The mystery is a bit uneven, partially because it tries to do a bit too much. I did have one issue that I didn’t feel was resolved, but overall, I was satisfied with the ending. While this may not be the best book to jump into the series with, it is one that fans will still enjoy.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2498 KP) rated Whine and Dine in Books
Jan 7, 2026
Not Much Better Than the First
It’s been a few months since Andy Shirley solved a murder in his new community of Monte Rio. Now, it’s October, and Andy has settled into his new life a little. He’s still trying to avoid making friends, so when the owner of a souvenir shop in town is found dead in her shop, he doesn’t intend to get involved. That is until the young woman who handles his plumbing, someone he’s become friendly with, begs him to get involved. It seems the police think her friend, who works at the store, is guilty. Can Andy figure out what happened?
I found the first just okay, and I was hoping some of those issues were just set up and the second would be smoother. Sadly, that didn’t happen. There is just a bit too much going on, which meant the mystery was choked out. The suspects could have been stronger. The climax, while answering all our questions, wasn’t enjoyable. Unfortunately, Andy still hasn’t thawed at all either. I do love the setting, since I grew up near there. And the puns are always welcome. I’m not sure that these will be enough to compel me to read any further in the series.
I found the first just okay, and I was hoping some of those issues were just set up and the second would be smoother. Sadly, that didn’t happen. There is just a bit too much going on, which meant the mystery was choked out. The suspects could have been stronger. The climax, while answering all our questions, wasn’t enjoyable. Unfortunately, Andy still hasn’t thawed at all either. I do love the setting, since I grew up near there. And the puns are always welcome. I’m not sure that these will be enough to compel me to read any further in the series.